The review is part of two separate investigations now underway, after it was revealed last week that a cage was installed in the classroom of a Canberra primary school and used as a "withdrawal space" for a 10-year-old boy with autism.

The two metre by two metre structure was in place for 17 days, between March 10 and March 27 of this year, before a complaint was made to the Human Rights Commissioner.

ACT Education Minister Joy Burch said the structure was "unacceptable", and two investigations have been launched.

Ms Burch said the first part of the investigation would focus on the decisions that were made and would be completed in a number of weeks.

"It's my understanding there's an independent investigator that is being sourced through Shared Services that will look at the Education and Training Directorate's decision making," she said.

"I have confidence in that, it's a method and process that's been used before and comes back with quite frank and fearless advice and recommendations."

Review to canvas community opinion: Burch

She said the second review would look at how schools responded to students with challenging behaviours and complex needs, including the use of withdrawal spaces.

"I have approached three well-regarded experts in this area to head up a panel and I'm seeking to have a report back to Government within six months... ready for referral on to a select committee that can consider the recommendations of these two reviews," she said.

Ms Burch said the panel would also ask for community feedback.

"Many in this community have an interest in how we support children with complex and challenging behaviours, and they will be given an opportunity to make comment as well," she said.

The school principal was removed from the school after the incident and is now doing administrative work.

It was too early to say if the principal or other teachers would be sacked, Ms Burch said.

"All of those decisions around what happens to staff involved in this will come at the end of that independent review," she said.

"It's important that we get through this in a timely manner because staff want to know the outcomes, families want to know the outcomes."